This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

(This is the second in a series of spring updates about Pac-12 football programs) Ever since Utah moved into the Pac-12, I've wondered when the Utes' talent would match the level of their best Mountain West teams.  That's happening, as Friday's segment of the NFL draft illustrated. For the first time in school history, three players – cornerback Eric Rowe, linebacker Nate Orchard and offensive lineman Jeremiah Poutasi – were taken in the first three rounds. Poutasi went early in the third round (No. 66), almost joining Rowe and Orchard in the second round. Those picks validate Ute coach Kyle Whittingham's belief that the Utes' personnel is steadily improving in the Pac-12 era. It had to happen, after a remarkably successful era of recruiting and development when Utah was in the MW. The unbeaten 2008 team included 16 players who were drafted and/or have had extended NFL careers (some of them were reserves that season). In the Pac-12 era, "We've taken a step forward every year with our depth and talent on the roster, one through 85," Whittingham said during spring practice.  With some other Utes likely to be picked in Saturday's rounds 4-7, the draft is showing that Utah's personnel is getting better. The downside, of course, is the Utes must replace those players in 2015. Cornerback Reginald Porter, defensive end Jason Fanaika and offensive tackle J.J. Dielman are among the players who will be asked to do more.  The Ute offense will revolve around 1,500-yard rusher Devontae Booker, who decided to stay at Utah for his senior season rather than enter the draft. Whittingham promises that Booker will touch the ball 35 times a game, and Booker has gained about 10 pounds in an effort to ensure his durability and improve his pass protection skills.  For the first time in the school's Pac-12 era, Utah is not facing an FCS opponent in 2015. The Utes open the season Sept. 3 vs. Michigan. Their Pac-12 opener is Sept. 26 at Oregon.  – Kurt Kragthorpe